The Artistic Director of MDAG, Karol Piekarczyk, traditionally shares his recommendations and introduces the 12 films in the Main Competition: “This selection represents the very best of documentary cinema—and cinema as a whole.”
2000 metres to Andriivka, dir. Mstyslav Chernov
A film that drops us into the very heart of war. Using helmet-mounted cameras, we become part of the experience. We move through successive circles of hell, realizing how crucial Ukraine’s victory should be for all of us. Stylistically it balances between a war drama and a video game, yet doesn’t detach us from reality—instead, it highlights its terrifying surrealism, offering an experience unlike anything else in documentary cinema. Directed by Oscar® winner Mstyslav Chernov (20 Days in Mariupol).
Apocalypse in the Tropics, dir. Petra Costa
A gripping story of contemporary Brazil and the merging of religion and politics. Oscar® nominee Petra Costa (The Edge of Democracy) gains unprecedented access to evangelical pastor Malafaia, who anointed Bolsonaro. In contrast to the horsemen of the apocalypse—politicians and clergy—stands the modernist congress building, an unfulfilled democratic promise designed by Oscar Niemeyer. A must for fans of political documentary thrillers.
A Want in Her, dir. Myrid Carten
A remarkably mature and layered debut by Myrid Carten. The story of an alcoholic mother and her daughter, who picks up the camera to get closer to her. The film left me with the same feeling as reading Shuggie Bain. How much can we sacrifice to save someone we love? And what remains of us afterward? The seriousness of the film is laced with Irish black humor. Carten also developed a unique visual language for the film.
Baby Doe, dir. Jessica Earnshaw
Jessica Earnshaw returns to MDAG with her second film (her first, Jacinta, also competed at MDAG). One day, police knock on Gail Ritchey’s door—she’s accused of abandoning a newborn in the woods 30 years earlier. A trial begins, and she faces life imprisonment. This film will spark debate at the festival, yet it’s marked by deep human empathy—Earnshaw’s growing trademark. MDAG will host its international premiere.
Come See Me in the Good Light, dir. Ryan White
One of the most beautiful films about love in recent years. Two poets, three dogs, one cancer diagnosis, thousands of poems, a broken mailbox, and one unstoppable feeling. Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley teach us what truly matters in life. Andrea’s poetry transforms everyday life. Winner of the Audience Award at Sundance, and having its European premiere at MDAG. Don’t miss it—there will be tears and smiles.
Coexistence, My Ass!, dir. Amber Fares
Can we laugh in the face of what’s happening in the world? Can humor become a tool for change? Israeli comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi uses her work and human rights activism—especially for Palestinians—to explore these questions. At the festival, Noam will meet with the audience, and we’ll also see her stand-up show (all proceeds will go to a Palestinian NGO).
My Stolen Planet, dir. Farahnaz Sharifi
A story about an extraordinary woman and the film’s director, Farahnaz Sharifi. She skillfully weaves the struggle for women’s rights in Iran with her own fight for personal freedom within her family and community. Past and present intertwine. While fighting for a better future, Sharifi collects others’ stories and preserves them by buying and archiving 8mm film reels. Even if someone steals our planet, there will always be homes where we gather, support each other, laugh, and dance—perhaps sparking a revolution.
A Sudden Glimpse To Deeper Things, dir. Mark Cousins
A masterful meeting of minds. One of today’s most renowned documentarians, Mark Cousins, tells the story of Scottish painter Wilhelmina Barns-Graham. A beautiful, poetic film about how to look at art, how to interpret it, and how to understand the emotions it stirs. Tilda Swinton reads the artist’s diaries. As a bonus, Mark Cousins will attend MDAG for a retrospective and an anti-masterclass.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin, dir. David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin
The titular “Mr. Nobody” is a schoolteacher in a small Russian town—and also the film’s co-director. As the school’s unofficial chronicler with a camera, he documents events following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The film provides a unique insight into how Putin’s dictatorship shapes citizens. Propaganda reaches absurd heights. The protagonist must decide: speak out and flee, or stay and keep filming.
Trains, dir. Maciej Drygas
Maciej Drygas’s latest film is a cinematic poem where the history of trains becomes a metaphor for civilization. In the early 20th century, machines were powerful, and communities shifted from rivers to railways. Trains symbolize development and technological progress—but also war and death. Stunning archival footage and masterful editing. Winner of the Grand Prize at IDFA, the world’s biggest documentary festival.
Only on Earth, dir. Robin Petré
One of the most visually spectacular films of this edition. Wild horses stir up clouds of dust, resembling wildfire smoke. Only on Earth isn’t just about what we must save—it’s about our relationship with nature and with ourselves. Each beautifully composed frame tells a story and contributes to a cohesive whole. We see a boy and his tender bond with a horse, contrasted with tales of animals choosing fire over contact with humans.
Yintah, dir. Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, Michael Toledano
Indigenous people on the frontlines of environmental resistance. The Wet’suwet’en Nation refuses to give up their land—to corporations or the Canadian government. Yintah is both a compelling protest manual and a beautifully filmed tribute to nature. During its MDAG premiere, Chief Woos of the Grizzly House (C’asyikh) will receive an award from WWF Poland on behalf of the people.
Passes and accreditations now on sale!
Festival passes and media/industry accreditations for the 22nd edition of MDAG in Warsaw are now on sale at book.mdag.pl and will be available until April 30 or until supplies last.
Festival passes can be purchased for 300 PLN here: https://book.mdag.pl/pl/karnety.
More information on how the passes work is available here: https://book.mdag.pl/pl/strona/jak-dziala-twoj-karnet.
The pass is your ticket to a cinematic feast of nearly 180 top-quality documentary films from around the world.
We encourage all media professionals and film industry representatives to apply for a media or industry accreditation by filling out the form at: https://book.mdag.pl/pl/akredytacje.
Accreditations cost 220 PLN. Applicants will be notified within a few days.
All necessary information can be found here: https://book.mdag.pl/pl/strona/jak-dziala-twoja-akredytacja.
The 22nd MDAG will take place from May 9 to 18, 2025, in cinemas in Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Poznań, Katowice, Bydgoszcz, and Łódź, and from May 20 to June 2 online at mdag.pl! The festival’s title sponsor is Bank Millennium. (https://www.bankmillennium.pl/).
